1997 S oil cooler install

[brewerbry]

I installed a "S" cooler on my '97 2.5 (tip tranny). I had to use the adapter plate (which was not originally on the car - had to purchase it plus the cooler). The new cooler has the vent on top and the '97's do not have a connection for it so I simply plugged the vent (used a rubber plug and hose clamp) that has worked for 2 years including some track time and all is good. I am not sure the addition of the "S" cooler really helps much - it is not much larger than the stock unit (at least on my '97 tip). It might help if your original cooler is clogged or comes from a car that was neglected.

[truegearhead]

The picture below shows a 1997 oil cooler vs an S oil cooler. There doesn't seem to be that much of a difference. Is the 1997 oil cooler larger?

[Lemming]

I added the S cooler to my '99 with a '97 engine and the adapter was necessary. I to plugged the vent line with no problems to date.

[78F350]

Putting a 1997 engine in an '01 and I ran across a difference I didn't expect. In the 2001, there's a hose that goes from the coolant tank to the oil cooler. In the 1997 that hose goes to a hard-line that the front of the engine under the AC compressor. That hard-line does not exist on the '01.

I plan to put an "S" oil cooler on the car. What is the best practice?
I'm thinking of:

• Swapping the cover from the '01 onto the '97 engine where the hard line connects. (Eliminate the hard-line since it has some internal corrosion)
• Redirecting the hose that connected to the hard-line to the top of the new "S" cooler.
• I still need to get a look and see what the status is of the adapter plate on this engine...
• Replacement O rings ...these: 2 (35 X 4 mm), 2 (26 X 3 mm)
  
  For install will the "S" cooler fit under the intake easily? Anything need to be moved or loosened?

Pics:
Hard-line connection under '97 AC

Blank cover on '01

2001 Oil Cooler (Likely full of debris from #2 rod failure)

Cooler currently on '97